Tag: spring

It’s Coming, Part 3

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

Despite the official start of spring tomorrow, warmer temperatures are hiding. We do not doubt that sunny days, brighter skies, and green leaves are coming—these longed-for signs of spring are just playing shy as the cold, gray weather continues.

The news headlines also seem cold and gray, offering dour reports and disputed solutions. How nice to know the media doesn’t have the last word! As sure as a new season is coming in nature, a bright future awaits us in eternity, one filled with promise and hope—where there will never, ever be reports of war.

We have a lot of never-evers to look forward to. We will never ever be deceived; everything we hear (and say) will be true. We will never doubt anyone or be suspicious. There will be no lies or innuendos. We will never misspeak; all our words will be wise and edifying.

Our understanding will not be dim or limited. We will comprehend wonders and appreciate scientific complexities and artistic beauty. Those wonders God confided to us on earth (see Psalm 25:14) will be expanded and expounded on in heaven—and we will have no problem grasping their intricacies! 

We will never ever feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or uncomfortable (pause and think about that)! We will never be deterred by physical or mental inadequacies. We will not mistrust others or second-guess ourselves. Our emotions will not be unruly, our feelings will not mislead, and there will be no fear to bully us. Our curiosity will be piqued and satisfied. Our interests will be sharpened and broadened. Our creativity will find uninhibited expression and produce unflawed beauty.

We will never ever be depressed, angry, or frustrated. We will not feel inferior, or superior. We will not hide from or shun anyone. We will not wrestle with pride, harbor unforgiveness, or hold bitterness. Every word we hear will be enlightening and beneficial. We will love and smile and encourage.

God will occupy our thoughts and speech. Our worship will flow as freely as we breathe. For eternity, we will realize fresh aspects of His nature and discover the beauty of His new creation. We will reunite with family and friends and meet servants and heroes we heard about. We will eat and dance and laugh together, and tell of God’s goodness.

These thoughts about Heaven could expand from three blogs to three books—there is no limit to imagining its glory. After Paul wrote, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him,” he added, “But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1 Cor. 2:9-10). We can only imagine the blessings that await us.

Heaven is a treasured assurance for all who believe in Jesus. Eternal spring is coming!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, 
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Want to read more about Heaven? Check out this site:
davidjeremiah.blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-heaven-65-passages-to-get-you-started/

It’s Coming, Part 1

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

I’m looking out my window at snow-covered ground, but my weather app promises a heatwave by this afternoon—47 degrees! I was thrilled to spot my first robin in our backyard, even though he wasn’t hopping on green grass but on ice-covered wetlands. And the ducks are back! But rather than swimming, they were waddling atop frozen water. Regardless of the view or the chill I feel, there is one thing I’m sure of: Spring is coming!

What is it that fuels our anticipation of a new season? I think it’s more than a longing for beautiful greenery and colorful flowers. I suspect we are simply so “over” winter’s challenges—the snow removal, the restrictions, the heating bills, the layers of clothing, the threat of slipping. Putting that all behind us elates our hearts with happy thoughts—green buds, getting out and about, fresh air and open windows, lightweight jackets, walks in the sunshine.

This is not different from my anticipation of the next life, when I will shed everything that weighs me down. I will walk in freedom, without restraints. I will observe only life and health. Everywhere I look, I will discover unseen wonders. I will never be concerned with comfort control, hidden dangers, or inconvenient disruptions. This is my inheritance for all eternity.

What do you anticipate? We’ll ponder more next week.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Seeds Sown

~ Barbara ~ 4 Comments

Spring reveals the hidden miracles that developed below the earth’s surface. Dormant seeds had begun to drink the soil’s water, then germinated and grew roots. Shoots developed and instinctively reached for the sun. Green seedlings broke through the ground to declare the arrival of spring, thrilling us with flowers in a variety of colors and petal designs. Though it’s an annual ritual, it never ceases to fill us with wonder.

Our lives are not unlike the process we see in nature. What we plant, whether intentionally or unintentionally, searches for water and sun and develops roots. The shoots that appear are evidence of what seeds were sown. Some produce beautiful flowers, others annoying weeds.

These thoughts were stirred while reading through Romans, reminding me that although I am dead to sin, weeds still appear. Yes, I pull them out and rue the poor decisions that encouraged their growth, but my battle seems as futile as my husband’s war with the dandelions dotting our lawn.

He spends a day spraying and digging up roots to awaken the next morning to dancing yellow heads mocking his efforts. I will not be mocked. I will work at pulling out the weeds that are eager to blemish my life. Although my sin nature is still alive, it is doomed—I see its final demise in my future. In the meantime, I sow good seeds that promise beauty and nutrition.

I plant a seed from Charles Spurgeon before sleep, allowing it to germinate overnight. I intake the Word every morning, cultivating the soil of my heart. I converse with God throughout the day, watering our relationship with praise and prayer. I walk in His light to assure goodness will grow and fruit will come.

Friends, our lives are fertile soil—let’s be selective about the seeds we plant.

Springtime in Jersey

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

I love the coming of spring and its promise of new life. What a wonder to behold!

The tiniest hint of green appeared on tree branches. So tiny, I wondered if my eyes deceived me. But then it happened—the green spread, and deepened, and intensified. Now, New Jersey is swathed in varying shades of green.

Forsythia and daffodils burst out in yellow, bringing spontaneous smiles to our faces. Crocuses and hyacinths complemented them with their pink and purple petals. Trees blossomed into bloom—dogwoods, magnolias, and flowering cherry.

I love the onset of fresh fruit and the promise of backyard barbecues.

I love packing away winter coats and walking out the door without thought of the cold.

I love opening the windows and allowing in fresh breezes.

I love to watch the seemingly synchronized arrival of birds at our feeders, each singing their unique song.

I love seeing people taking walks or out in their yards, especially the children.  

I love living in New Jersey where each season is distinctive.

I love that the seasons are ordained by God. We can do nothing to alter them, slow their arrival, or delay their passing.

I love seeing God’s fingerprints in nature, ever changing but displayed in patterns that never change.